Antibiotic Sensitivity Test

Antibiotics are medicines used to fight bacterial and certain fungal infections. They are not effective for viral infections. There are different antibiotics, and each one only works well against certain types of bacteria or fungi.

An antibiotic sensitivity test can help find out which antibiotic will be most effective in treating your infection. The test can also help find a treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections. Antibiotic resistance happens when standard antibiotics become less effective or ineffective against certain bacteria.

That means that the bacteria change and resist the effect of the antibiotic. The antibiotic no longer works well against the bacteria causing your infection. This is not the same as antibiotic misuse (not taking all of your medicine or taking someone else's medicine), which can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

With antibiotic resistance, some diseases that were once easily treated can become serious or even life-threatening.

Why this test is done

You may need this test if you have a bacterial or fungal infection that has been shown to have antibiotic resistance. These could include tuberculosis, MRSA, and C. diff.

How to prepare

There are no special preparations needed for an antibiotic sensitivity test.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

antibiotic susceptibility test, sensitivity testing, antimicrobial susceptibility test, drug resistance testing, culture and sensitivity, C & S